POLAROID HI-PRINT 2X3 Instant film fans rejoice. Less than a year after Polaroid reclaimed its proper name (having been known as the Impossible Project and Polaroid Originals since its rebirth in 2008), the now Dutch-based originator has launched the Polaroid Hi-Print 2x3, a Bluetooth-enabled instant printer for the smartphone generation. Each cartridge contains 20 sheets that you print, peel and stick, with a free app that allows you to add filters and text to your images before printing. £89.99 (printer only) and £119.99 (starter set) uk.polaroid.com
FUJINON XF50MM F/1
84 B+W
Fujifilm has released what it claims is the world’s first autofocus f/1 lens for any mirrorless system. The Fujinon XF50mm f/1.0 R WR has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 76mm and features all the usual XF weather sealing to protect against dust and moisture. Weighing in at a relatively light 845g, this groundbreaking 50mm measures 103.5 x 87mm, with 12 elements in nine groups, including one aspherical element and two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements to control spherical aberration. The new lens also features nine aperture blades for large, smooth bokeh and is described as an incredible tool for visual storytellers by Fujifilm’s senior director of marketing and product management, Victor Ha. £1,499 fujifilm-x.com
TESTS AND PRODUCTS
BLACK+WHITE
LOVES NEW PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR IN THE SHOPS AND ONLINE
LAOWA 2X MACRO LENS Laowa has added a MFT-optimised 50mm 2x macro lens to its line-up. The 50mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is the world’s first 2x macro lens for MFT cameras and has a minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm, and a 35mm equivalent focal length of 100mm. It has 14 elements in 10 groups, seven aperture blades and a 49mm filter thread. £399 laowalens.co.uk
LOMOGRAFLOK 4×5 INSTANT BACK Attention large-format aficionados – Lomography has announced the LomoGraflok 4×5 Instant Back. Compatible with all Graflok-equipped 4×5 cameras, the LomoGraflok is an individual light-tightened instant film ejection unit for use with Fujifilm Instax Wide, described as the most widely available and cost-effective instant film on the market. As well as the LomoGraflok 4×5 Instant Back itself, the set also includes a focus compensation and composition mask and is intended as a more efficient way to test large-format camera set-ups before exposing expensive 4x5 sheet film. Although this analogue-tastic device won’t see the light of day until next April, preorders will save 10%. £116 shop.lomography.com
